All materials related to an application for admission become the property of Des Moines University upon receipt and will not be returned or released to the applicant either in original or photocopy form.

Applicants may only apply to one Des Moines University program at a time.

Selection criteria

Applicants are expected to demonstrate a superior ability in the biological and chemical sciences throughout their undergraduate and graduate course work and standardized test results. Letters of recommendation also are used to assess a candidate’s potential for graduate study. The objective is to select students who are not only intellectually capable, but who also possess investigative skills and an inquisitive mind.

Re-application

Applicants who have previously submitted an application for admission may choose to use their personal statement, letters of recommendation and test score from the previous application, or submit an updated personal statement, additional letters of recommendation and a new test score at the time of reapplication. These applicants are however required to submit a new application form, the application fee, transcripts of any courses taken since the last application was submitted and a letter requesting to have their application reactivated.

Personal interview

Competitive candidates for admission will be invited to Des Moines University to tour the facilities, meet faculty and graduate students and have a formal interview.

Accommodations in education policy

The University complies with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Rehabilitation Act, the Iowa Civil Rights Act and other laws relating to the accommodations of disabilities in its educational programming.

Additional information

Personal statement

Applicants must prepare a one to three page personal statement describing why they are interested in a master of science in anatomy and why they would like to attend Des Moines University.

Application fee

The nonrefundable application fee is $60. Applications received without the application fee will not be processed. The fee may be paid by credit card online or by calling our accounting office at 515-271-1530. You can also submit a check or money order for payment.

Make checks payable to Des Moines University.

Letters of recommendation

On the application, indicate names of three people who will submit a letter of recommendation appraising your potential to succeed in the Des Moines University master’s degree program. Letters must be on letterhead and come from professors who have had you in class.

Transcripts

Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate institutions attended are required. All transcripts must be official and sent from the registrar’s office.

Photocopied transcripts, faxed transcripts or student or web-accessed versions of transcripts will not be accepted.

GRE, MCAT or DAT scores

An official score report from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) general test, Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) or Dental Admission Test (DAT) is required. Photocopies of official score reports are not acceptable.

TOEFL scores

In addition to admission requirements, applicants who are not native speakers of English must satisfy an adequate command of the English language. Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores or other evidence of English proficiency are required. A minimum TOEFL score of 550 points on the paper-based exam, or 79 on the internet-based exam is required. For more information about the TOEFL, visit www.toefl.org or contact ETS. The TOEFL requirement is waived for applicants who have received a degree from an institution where instruction was conducted in English.